Reflective Writing Exercises Can Improve Student Outcomes

When students write about their personal values, it can help them feel more positive about themselves and their futures, promoting a growth mindset and creating a protective buffer against many harmful experiences. In one study, a reflective writing assignment helped students of color deal with racism and negative stereotypes, leading to higher academic achievement and boosting college enrollment rates years later. In another study, a similar writing exercise helped math students focus on long-term goals instead of immediate pressures, reducing math stress and improving their attitudes toward math.